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Oversight panel ready for testimony under oath

by KIX101.1 /1230 KFJB News Departmentposted May 5 2014 10:13AM

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — With the legislative session adjourned, members of the Senate Government Oversight Committee are poised to renew an investigation into state employment issues aided by the authority to subpoena witnesses, place them under oath and fine or imprison them if they won't comply.

The committee gained that authority through a resolution passed as the last Senate action of the 2014 session on Friday.

The oversight committee wants to know who authorized payments for silence to former workers who signed settlement agreements. It's also investigating hiring and employment practices and bidding, purchasing, and contracting policies.

Senate Government Oversight Chairwoman Janet Petersen says she hopes to have the first hearing this month.

Petersen says the panel needs to question current and former officials and will see if they come willingly before issuing subpoenas.